Physical Activity and Exercise Among Children: A Key Issue
Keywords:
Physical activity,, Anxiety,, Body mass index,, Cardio Vascular disease,, Diabetes,, Cardiovascular endurance,, Muscular strength,, Muscular endurance,, Flexibility,, Body compositionAbstract
Physical activity has been defined as "bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that result in energy expenditure. Physical exertion--regular physical activity has significant health benefits, and even modest increases in energy expenditure can have health-enhancing effects, including: Reduction in chronic disease risk--hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high blood lipids, cardiovascular disease, and obesity. Children need to learn fundamental motor skills and develop health related physical fitness (cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition). Physical education, provided at school, is an ideal way to encourage activity and develop fitness among children and, for many children, will be their only preparation for an active lifestyle. Schools that promote physical activity may have a significant impact on reducing childhood obesity, chronic disease, and, ultimately, adult mortality. Insofar as physical activity has been associated with increased academic performance, self-concept, mood, and mental health, the promotion of physical activity and exercise may also improve quality of life.
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References
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